The Day of the Deployed 2026
When I was in the Navy I was deployed aboard the USS MacDonough (DDG-39). It was a guided missile destroyer stationed at Charleston, SC. We traveled all over the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Eastern Europe and North Africa. I always felt a part of the "tin can" navy and it was pretty much a perfect match for me.I have often wished I could go back in time and relive some of those days because I would surely have done a few things differently. Alas, these days find the "Mighty Mac" sold for scrap 1994 and now it is but a melted down memory.I try to honor that ship and those men and those times in my life at every opportunity. I am a regular contributor to the USS MacDonough Reunion Association. It gives me some solace to provide them with a little regular funding in light of my less than stellar history.
The Day of the Deployed is observed every year on October 26, since 2006 under the auspices of one Shelle Michaels Aberle and honors US service members deployed abroad as well as their families who support them. It honors all US military personnel serving away from home. It recognizes the sacrifices of families during deployments. It highlights the challenges of long separations and difficult service environments.
This day was founded in 2006 when one Shelle Michaels Aberle petitioned North Dakota Governor John Hoeven. The Day of the Deployed serves as a national reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by deployed service members and their families.
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USS Santa Barbara (LCS‑32) is an Independence‑class littoral combat ship of the US Navy, homeported in San Diego, California, and assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet.
Littoral Combat Ships are small surface combatants optimized for operations close to shore. They emphasize speed, shallow draft, modularity, and flexibility rather than heavy armament.
The LCS program began in 2002 to create a fast, versatile ship for littoral threats such as mines, small boats, and diesel submarines. Both variants were procured after competitive development by the United States Navy.